Student, Journalism, Creative Arts​/Media

Current seeks an advanced undergraduate or graduate student in journalism to research and report on issues affecting public media in the United States. Successful candidates will have strong writing skills; an interest in thinking analytically about media and how it is funded, created and distributed; and the ability to collaborate on various aspects of news reporting and publishing.  Currentis an independent news service covering public media, including NPR, PBS and stations.

We operate a website and publish a quarterly print publication. Our student reporters research, report and write their own stories with support from Current’s editors and staff reporters. Many have gone on to successful internships and professional jobs at other news organizations.  
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* Essential Functions:

*** Research, report and write original coverage.
* Gather information and multiple perspectives for news reporting through interviews, analysis, reading, observation and events.
* Check facts, spellings, numbers and assumptions to confirm details of news events.
* Produce timely and valuable material for digital coverage and report on developing stories.
* Revise work in progress and collaborate with editors in preparing coverage for online publication.
* Advise editors on art direction by collecting photos, artwork and graphics and identifying opportunities for presenting data and multimedia elements.
* Work with Current staff on production, planning and discussion.
* Develop and pitch story ideas. Produce social media posts sharing links to Current’s news articles, adhering to Current’s editorial practices.
* Collaborate with digital editor and managing editor in responding to reader reactions.  
** Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
*** Part-time.
* 20 hours per week.
** Salary Range:*** $18.40 - $25.00 per hour.  
** Required

Education and Experience:

*** As of spring 2027, a junior, senior or graduate student with a major in American University's School of Communications.
* Minimum overall 3.25 GPA.
* Graduate students must have completed their first semester of study to be considered for this position.
* Experience reporting for advanced SOC journalism courses.
* Analytical, quantitative and writing skills.
* Interest in journalism, public media, the media business and/or public policy.  
** Preferred

Education and Experience:

*** Web publishing skills and familiarity with Word Press are preferred; however, we provide training for these skills as needed.
* Experience reporting in-depth stories or analyses for student journalism organizations or for previous editorial internships.
* Familiarity with the Word Press content management system.  
** Additional Eligibility

Qualifications:

*** Dates and hours:
Jan. 11 – May 7, 2026; 20 hours per week (exact dates and daily work schedule to be worked out with supervisor).
* This internship is eligible for recognition by the Dean's Internship program offered by American University's School of Communication.
* Current operates as a virtual workplace.
* To complete your application, upload your resume, three writing samples that best represent your work and a cover letter describing your qualifications and goals for the internship. Also provide contact information for three professors who we can contact as references.
* Contact Digital Editor Mike Janssen, mike with any questions.